Disconnect the power before you touch anything
The first and most important step is to cut off electricity to the disposal. Locate the circuit breaker that controls your garbage disposal—it is usually labeled in your breaker panel—and switch it to the off position. If you cannot find the breaker, turn off the main breaker instead. Do not rely on the wall switch alone; a switch does not cut power, it only stops the motor from running.
Once the breaker is off, test the disposal by flipping the wall switch. If the motor does not hum or try to start, the power is truly off. This step prevents accidental startup while your hands are near the blades or while you are working underneath the sink.
Key Takeaways
- Turn off the circuit breaker controlling the disposal before beginning any work, and test the switch to confirm power is off.
- A Badger disposal is mounted to the sink drain with a threaded collar that twists counterclockwise to release, and you will need a flashlight and adjustable wrench or disposal wrench to remove it.
- Disconnect the electrical connection at the junction box or outlet before lifting the disposal out, and cap any exposed wires with wire nuts.
- You can install a replacement Badger unit using the same mounting hardware, or switch to a different brand if the mounting ring is compatible with your sink.
Disconnect the plumbing connections
Look under the sink and locate where the disposal connects to the drain line. Most Badger disposals have a rubber discharge tube that slides onto a metal outlet port. Loosen the hose clamp holding this tube in place using a screwdriver or adjustable wrench, then slide the tube off. Water may drip, so place a bucket or towel underneath.
Next, locate the sink strainer body—the part that sits inside the sink opening. Badger disposals are held to this strainer with a threaded collar called a mounting ring. You will see three or four mounting bolts around the collar. Use an adjustable wrench or a disposal wrench (a specialized tool that fits the bolt heads) to loosen these bolts by turning them counterclockwise. Work your way around the collar, loosening each bolt a little at a time rather than removing one completely first, so the disposal does not tilt and bind.
Once all bolts are loose, twist the entire disposal counterclockwise by hand or with a wrench. The mounting collar will unscrew from the sink strainer. The disposal will drop slightly as the collar releases. Support it with your other hand so it does not fall and break.
Disconnect the electrical supply
Badger disposals are wired in two ways: either hardwired directly into a junction box, or plugged into an outlet under the sink. If your disposal is hardwired, you will see a metal box with wire connections inside. Use a screwdriver to loosen the terminal screws holding the wires in place, then carefully pull the wires apart. Once the wires are separated, cap each exposed wire with a wire nut to prevent shock hazard.
If your disposal is plugged into an outlet, straightforward unplug it. This is the safest setup because it allows you to disconnect power without opening any electrical boxes.
After the electrical connection is broken, you can lift the disposal out from under the sink. It will be heavy—usually between 7 and 10 pounds—so use both hands and set it on a stable surface or into a trash bin.
Remove the sink strainer if you are replacing the unit
If you are installing a new Badger disposal or switching to a different brand, you may need to remove the sink strainer body itself. This is the threaded ring that sits inside the sink opening. From underneath the sink, you will see a large nut holding the strainer in place. Use an adjustable wrench or a large pipe wrench to turn this nut counterclockwise. Once it is loose, you can unscrew it by hand.
From above the sink, push the strainer body up and out. You may need to scrape away old plumber's putty or silicone caulk around the rim. Once the strainer is out, clean away all old putty and debris from the sink opening so the new strainer sits flush.
If you are keeping the same strainer and only replacing the disposal unit, you can skip this step and move directly to installation of the new disposal.
What to do with the old disposal
A used garbage disposal cannot go in your regular trash because it contains a motor and metal parts. Check with your local waste management provider or recycling center to see if they accept small appliances. Many communities have e-waste or metal recycling programs that will take disposals for free or a small fee. Some plumbing supply stores also accept old disposals when you purchase a replacement.
If you are unsure where to take it, call your city or county public works department and ask where residents can drop off small appliances. They can direct you to the nearest facility.
When to call a plumber
If you encounter corrosion so severe that the mounting bolts will not turn, or if the discharge tube is glued in place with silicone instead of a clamp, a plumber has tools to remove these without damaging the sink or drain. Similarly, if the sink strainer is cracked or the threads are stripped, you may need professional help to repair the sink opening before installing a new disposal.
If you are uncomfortable working with the electrical connection—especially if the disposal is hardwired rather than plugged in—a plumber or electrician can handle that part while you manage the plumbing removal yourself. There is no shame in calling for help on the electrical work; it is one of the safest reasons to bring in a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a Badger disposal myself, or do I need a plumber?
You can remove it yourself if you are comfortable working under a sink and disconnecting plumbing. The job requires basic tools—a wrench, screwdriver, and flashlight—and takes about 30 minutes. The main risk is dropping the unit on your hand or accidentally turning on the power, both of which are straightforward to prevent by following the steps in order.
What if the mounting bolts are stuck and will not turn?
Spray the bolts with penetrating oil like WD-40 and wait 15 minutes for the oil to soak in. Then try again with steady pressure on the wrench. If they still will not budge, a plumber has a reciprocating saw or angle grinder that can cut the bolts without damaging the sink strainer underneath.
Do I have to replace it with another Badger disposal?
No. As long as the new disposal has a compatible mounting ring that fits your sink strainer, you can install any brand. Badger, InSinkErator, and most other disposals use the same standard mounting system, so switching brands is straightforward. Just make sure the new unit's horsepower and features match what you need.
What happens if I turn on the wall switch while I am working on the disposal?
Nothing will happen if you have already turned off the circuit breaker, because no power reaches the disposal. This is why turning off the breaker first is so important—it protects you even if someone else flips the wall switch by accident.
Can I install a new disposal myself after removing the old one?
Yes. Installation is the reverse of removal: mount the new strainer if needed, attach the new disposal to the mounting collar, reconnect the discharge tube, and wire it to the outlet or junction box. If you are not confident with the electrical connection, you can do the plumbing work and have an electrician handle the wiring.